Roses to Hill School, Lower Pottsgrove police

ROSES to The Hill School for opening their ice skating rink during their students’ holiday break for the enjoyment of Pottstown families. The open rink has been a tradition in Pottstown for many years, and we’re glad to see it continuing. It’s a perfect example of the school sharing its facilities with the town. Families enjoy the opportunity to skate -- a healthy activity that promotes fitness and family time.

THORNS to Congress for hiding tax breaks for big business in legislation to avert the much talked about “fiscal cliff.” Even as leaders in Washington claimed to be protecting the middle class from tax increases, they were doing as much to protect big business. In all, more than 50 temporary tax breaks were renewed through 2013, saving businesses and individuals about $76 billion. Congress routinely renews the tax package, attracting intense lobbying — and campaign donations — from businesses and trade groups that say the tax breaks help them prosper and create jobs.The package passed by Congress this week and signed by President Barack Obama renews the tax breaks retroactively, so taxpayers can claim them on both their 2012 and 2013 tax returns.Democrats and Republicans alike are playing games with our loyalties and our money. None of this bodes well for a much-needed move to get our government’s fiscal house in order.

ROSES to Lower Pottsgrove police for working within the community to help prevent and stop crimes. The department recently put out a request for equipment to help in barricaded situations and got results from Home Depot in the form of donated sledgehammers and bolt cutters. Chief Mike Foltz made the request after reading a study that suggested patrol cars be equipped with tools to break through barricades to expediate the time it takes to defuse a situation. Foltz and Lower Pottsgrove are also spearheading a program aimed at educating parents in light of the rescinsion of the township’s ban on areas where sex offenders could live. The Montgomery County Sexual Assault Task Force’s presentation. “Protecting Your Children From Sex Offenders,” will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 9 in Lower Pottsgrove Elementary School’s cafeteria. Foltzsaid there was a lot of concern in the community after the ordinance was rescinded after it “became the subject of legal challenges.” Lower Pottsgrove is partnering with the West and Upper Pottsgrove Police and the Pottsgrove School District to present the talk. These are two good examples of local police interacting with the community in a positive way.